Community holiday events

Wednesday December 4, 2013 3:56 PM

Bexley

Koleinu Choir, Hanukkah party - 2:30 p.m. Dec. 8, at Wexner Heritage House, 1151 College Ave. Hanukkah cookies will be served. Families are encouraged to join the residents of WHH for dancing and singing. This free event is sponsored by Hadassah. For more information, visit hadassah.org/columbus or call 614-235-8111.

Canal Winchester

Fairfield Heritage Association, 35th annual Candlelight Tour, "Sing We Now of Christmas" - 6 p.m. Dec. 14, at eight historic churches in downtown Lancaster. Each church will present its own festive 15-minute music program. Wear comfortable shoes, dress warmly and bring a flashlight. A van will be provided for those who have walking difficulties. Ticket colors indicate where participants begin the tour. Advance tickets are available through Dec. 13 at a cost of $9 for adults, $3 for children under 12. Tickets may be purchased at the Georgian Museum, the Sherman House Museum, Fairfield National Bank Main Office and FNB banks in Kroger East, at Memorial Drive and in Meijer. Other ticket sites are Carnival Foods, Farmer's Country Store, Shaw's Restaurant & Inn, First Presbyterian and First United Methodist churches. On the day of the event, tickets are $10 for adults; children under 12, $3 and will be sold at the Sherman House Museum from noon to 5 p.m. and Georgian Museum from 1 to 5 p.m.; museum tours are included in the ticket price. Tickets may be purchased one-half hour before the tour at the First Presbyterian and First United Methodist churches.

Delaware

Christmas in Downtown Delaware, First Friday, 6 to 9 p.m. Dec. 6. There will be carolers, visits to the Santa House, free wagon rides and a tree lighting ceremony at 7:30 p.m. at William and Sandusky streets. The Santa House will be open at 24 N. Sandusky St. from 6 to 8 p.m. Fridays and 1 to 3 p.m. Saturdays Dec. 6-21. For more information, call 740-362-6050.

Christmas on the Square in Sunbury, 4 to 8 p.m. Dec. 7. The event includes parade, Santa, music, food and festivities around the Sunbury Square.

Village of Galena, tree lighting ceremony, 7 p.m. Dec. 8, in the Village Square. Additional holiday activities include a visit from Santa Claus from 10 a.m. to noon Dec. 14, at the Galena Village Hall.

Annual Christmas cookie exchange, 10 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 14. Bring three dozen of one kind of cookie and the recipe with your name and phone number on it. Submit recipes electronically at nicema@oplin.org. Each participant will receive a cookie recipe booklet. Door prizes also will be offered. Community Library, 44 Burrer Dr., Sunbury.

Gahanna

Winter Wonderland presented by AEP Ohio® hosted by Gahanna Parks and Recreation through Jan. 3, 2013. Holiday activities, entertainment and fun will take place throughout the season thanks to the shops, restaurants and businesses in Olde Gahanna. Activities and schedules can be found at www.ohioherbfoundationcenter.org.

German Village

Grandview

The Ohio Craft Museum holiday exhibition and sale - which supports the nonprofit museum and showcases handmade jewelry and crafts from more than 50 artists. The museum, 1665 W. Fifth Ave., Columbus, launched its 14th annual Gifts of the Craftsman holiday exhibit and sale Sunday, Nov. 10. It will run through Dec. 23 and features handcrafted jewelry, pottery, art glass, baskets, clothing and other items created by more than 50 artists from throughout the United States. All exhibit and sale items can be viewed daily at the museum. The museum is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday, noon to 4 p.m. Sunday. For more information, call the museum at 614-486-4402 or visit ohiocraft.org.

Grove City

Grove City Christmas Celebration - 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Dec. 7, at Grove City Town Center. City-sponsored activities take place along Broadway between Grant Avenue and Grove City Road from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Activities include Santa visits at the Town Center Plaza; families can take their own photo or make a $5 donation to TWIG 184 benefiting Nationwide Children's Hospital to receive one. Local choirs will perform and the Grove City Christmas Parade steps off at 7:30 p.m. and features marching bands, floats decorated in Christmas lights and more. The route starts at Park Street Intermediate School, proceeds north on Wilbur Avenue, turns west down Columbus Street, travels south on Broadway then east on Park Street back to the school. After the parade wraps up, Santa returns to help Mayor Richard "Ike" Stage light the community tree in the Town Center Plaza.Monetary, food or personal hygiene products will be collected for the Grove City Food Pantry, along with a toy or gift card donation for the Firefighters holiday toy drive.

Grove City Community Winds Concert - 11 a.m. Dec. 7, at Grove City High School, 4665 Hoover Road. The group will perform yuletide music. Admission is a canned good for the Grove City Food Pantry.

Mistletoe Market - 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Dec. 7, Park Street west of Broadway. This holiday shopping market features creative gift items, decorations and treats in spaces including Town Center businesses, various outdoor tents and inside City Hall's lobby and Council Chambers. For general information and details on vending, concession sales and sponsorships, contact the Grove City Town Center at 614-539-8762 or info@grovecitytowncenter.org. A Secret Santa station for children to purchase gifts to present anonymously to loved ones is on the Town Center Plaza, and other activities are located in Town Center businesses. For details, visit grovecitytowncenter.org or call 614-539-8762.

Christmas Home Tour - 3 to 8 p.m. Dec. 8, various locations and the Grove City Welcome Center & Museum, 3378 Park St. Fee is $10 per person; $8 for age 55 and older (proceeds benefit the Grove City Food Pantry and Emergency Services). Tickets will be sold during tour hours at the Grove City Welcome Center and Museum. Advance tickets may be purchased two weeks prior to the event at the Sommer House Gallery, 4038 Broadway. The Grove City Christmas Home Tour map and guide will be available the first week in December.

Santa's Mailbox - Children can drop off their letters to Santa Monday, Nov. 25 through Sunday, Dec. 8, in his mailbox in front of the Grove City Library, 3360 Park St. To receive a reply, include a self-addressed, stamped envelope with every letter. For additional information, call the Grove City Parks and Recreation Department at 614-277-305.

Groveport

Groveport Tree Lighting and Visit with Santa, 6:30 to 9 p.m. Dec. 6 on Main Street. Following the tree lighting ceremony, Santa will be at Town Hall, 648 Main St. Guests are invited for cookies and punch, along with a craft item. Santa Claus will arrive in person on a fire truck, just in time for the city tree-lighting, at 6:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 6. Residents should gather near Town Hall, 648 Main St., to welcome Santa and watch the tree-lighting ceremony.

Groveport Recreation, Dinner with Santa, 5:30 p.m. Dec. 7 at the Groveport Recreation Center. Cost is $6 per person. The program includes a semi-formal dinner. Drinks will be provided. Other activities include photo with Santa, caroling, crafts, coloring and dancing. All children must be accompanied by an adult. Deadline to register is Dec. 1. Space is limited. Call 614-836-1000 for information. On Saturday, Dec. 7, the city will host two holiday events for revelers of all ages. First, at 5:30 p.m., a dinner with Santa will be served at the recreation center. The cost is $6 per person and all children must be accompanied by an adult. The registration deadline is Dec. 1. Little Italy Pizza will provide the pasta and salad for the sit-down dinner, which includes a photo with Santa, caroling, crafts and dancing.

Victorian Christmas, 7 p.m. Dec. 7 at Groveport Town Hall, 648 Main St. The Many Strings Folk Trio will provide music as participants learn period dances, and sample refreshments and crafts from an earlier era of Ohio's history. Registration is not necessary. Free. For more information call 614-836-3333. Following the dinner, from 7 to 9 p.m., Town Hall will host its annual Victorian Christmas based on a traditional 1880s-era party. The Many Strings Folk Trio will provide music at the event; no registration is necessary to attend.

Swim with Santa - One final opportunity to spend time with Santa will be from 3 to 5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 14, at the recreation center for the annual Swim with Santa event. Registration through the recreation center is due by Dec. 11. The cost is $4 per person. Families will be able to swim with Santa and his lifeguard elves and use their personal cameras to take pictures. Candy and gifts will be handed out to all registered attendees. For more information, call Town Hall at 614-836-3333 or the recreation center at 614-836-1000.

Hilliard

The 24th annual City of Hilliard Tree Lighting, 5 to 7:30 p.m. Dec. 5, at Weaver Park in the Historical Village. There will be a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus, musical selections by the Scioto Darby Elementary School choir under the direction of Joyce Brandt, hot chocolate, ice sculpting, horse drawn carriage rides, cookie decorating, face painting, Matt the Balloon Guy, the reindeer duck derby game and tours of the Historic Village. Guests also can drop off letters to Santa in a mailbox located in the park. To guarantee a reply from Santa, include the child's full name, complete address with ZIP code and a stamp. This event is free.

Letters to Santa - Drop off letters to Santa at the Historical Village in the Santa Mailbox Dec. 1-16. Be sure to include your child's name and address and a loose stamp or a self-addressed stamped envelope.

Lions Club Breakfast with Santa - The Lions Club sponsors this breakfast from 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 14, at the Phyllis A. Ernst Senior Center, 3810 Veterans Memorial Drive. Cost of $5 per person include pancakes, sausage and orange juice.

Hilliard/Ray Patch YMCA, Breakfast with Santa, 9, 9:30, 10 and 10:30 a.m. Dec. 7, at the Hilliard United Methodist Church Fellowship Hall, 5445 Scioto Darby Road. Guests will have a breakfast featuring pancakes, eggs, sausage, toast, mill and juice and a chance to make Christmas crafts. Kids also will have the chance to meet and have their picture taken with Santa Claus. Cost is $5, $4 for children, with a family maximum of $14 for members; $6, $5 for children, with a family maximum of $16 for nonmembers. Families can register children at the Hilliard YMCA until Nov. 30.

Hilliard Area Chamber of Commerce, 31st annual Hollyfest Arts and Crafts Show, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dec. 7, at Hilliard Davidson High School, 5100 Davidson Road. There will be 118 crafters from Ohio and surrounding states. Santa Paws will be there, providing an opportunity for pets to have pictures taken with him. The cost to attend is $4, $2 for seniors and students. Parking is free. Visit facebook.com/hollyfestartscraftsshow.

Hilliard Arts Council, presentation of Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol, 2, 4 and 7 p.m. Dec. 7, at Cornerstone Christian Fellowship Church, 4066 Main St. Tickets are a $5 donation or five nonperishable food items for Hilliard Welfare or a new toy for Firefighters for Kids.

Wreaths Across America, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Dec. 14, at Sunset Cemetery, Galloway. Wreaths Across America is an annual/national program honoring fallen veterans. Veterans interred in Section 9, Spanish America War will receive a wreath in remembrance of their service. Westland High School JROTC will coordinate the events in conjunction with AMVETs Post 1928 and VFW Post 4044. State Rep. Cheryl Grossman (R-Grove City) will be the guest speaker. Music and refeshments will be provided.

Pickerington

Pickerington-Violet Township Historical Society, annual member meeting and Christmas potluck, 6:30 p.m. Dec. 5, lower level of the museum, 15 E. Columbus St. Guests are asked to bring a covered dish or dessert to share. The society will provide chicken, beverages and table service. After dinner, the group will vote on proposed changes to the society's constitution and bylaws then elect officers. For more information, call 614-382-5989.

Olde Pickerington Village Business Association, annual Olde Village Holiday, 5 to 8:30 p.m. Dec. 6, in Olde Pickerington. Activities will include carriage rides, free children's crafts at at Hair Boutique, free Christmas surprise at Deblin Design, cookie decorating at BakerHouz on 8 and storytelling and book reading at Pickerington-Violet Township Historical Society. Participants can visit with Santa with an optional 5-by-7 picture done by David Beckham Photography for $5. Proceeds benefit Faith Mission. The Village Tree Lighting will take place at 7:30 p.m. For more information, go to pickeringtonvillage.com.

Powell

Powell Reindeer Run 5K - The Olentangy Liberty High School baseball players and supporters will host the Dec. 7 Powell Reindeer Run 5K to benefit Delaware Toys for Tots. The race starts at OLHS, 3584 Home Road, at 10 a.m. Participants can register before the race at signmeup.com/95805 for a fee of $30 and one unwrapped toy. Packet pickup is Thursday, Dec. 5 and Friday, Dec. 6, at a place to be announced. Race-day registration begins at 8:45 a.m., and the fee is $35 and one unwrapped toy. Those interested in serving as "Santa's helpers" or "Santa's sponsors," contact meegz1205@gmail.com.

Shop Local, Shop Powell - Historic Downtown Powell Inc. will launch a campaign Nov. 29 that officials hope will encourage shoppers to stay within city limits when making purchases, especially during the holiday season. Although that day unofficially is known around the country as Black Friday, it will be officially known in Powell as Shop Local, Shop Powell Day, after Powell City Council's proclamation in October. The nonprofit organization also will provide merchants with signs that feature a green circle filled with white lettering that reads, "Support Your Community, Shop Local, Shop Powell." The emblem is the symbol for the campaign.

Reynoldsburg

Christmas on the Town, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Dec. 7, in Olde Towne Reynoldsburg. Local merchants will offer specials and give-aways for adults and children. Guests can visit with Santa Claus, stop by the Secret Santa Shop, enjoy a carriage ride through Olde Reynoldsburg and sample seasonal treats that are offered throughout the day.

Upper Arlington

2013 Columbus Winter Avant-Garde Art & Craft Show - 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dec. 21, at St. Agatha's Parish Hall, 1860 Northam Road. This show will feature nearly 100 artists and crafters selling original handmade items. Admission is $3, free for children under age 12. A portion of proceeds will benefit the Columbus non-profit Pets Without Parents. The show is still accepting vendors. For more information on how to become a vendor, email info@avantgardeshows.com or visit www.avantgardeshows.com.

Boy Scout Troop 555 is hosting its annual Christmas tree sale at Tremont Center. The sale will run from Nov. 29 through Dec. 21. The tree lot will be open from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday, from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday and from noon to 8 p.m. Sunday.

Upper Arlington Winter Festival and Tree Lighting Ceremony, 6 to 8:30 p.m. Dec. 6 at Mallway Park. 2096 Arlington Ave. Caroling, carriage rides, a bonfire with s'mores, visits with Santa and the city tree lighting ceremony. Winter Festival attractions include ice sculpting demonstrations and live reindeer. Coffee and hot chocolate will be available from the Starbucks of Upper Arlington and holiday specials and door prizes will be offered by Mallway Merchants.

Clintonville Woman's Club, Candlelight Luncheon, 11:30 a.m. Dec. 3 and 4 at the clubhouse, 3951 N. High St. Punch will be served with lunch at noon. The menu includes a salad, pork strip steak and carrot souffle. A dessert of peppermint ice cream will be followed by a musical performance by the French Horn Club of Columbus. This event is open to the public. Donation is $25 per person. For tickets and reservations, contact Diane Osterwise at 614-262-2495.

Westerville

The 16th annual Gingerbread Cottage Craft Show will take place from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 7, at Westerville South High School, 303 S. Otterbein Ave. Presented by the Westerville South Instrumental Music Boosters, the event will feature four rooms with more than 120 vendors, a bake sale, concession stand, kids area and a raffle. Band students will perform. Strollers are welcome, and parking is free. Cost of entry is $2 for ages 12 and up. The Music Boosters support the Concert Band, Wind Ensemble, Jazz Band and Marching Band. For further information, visit gingerbreadcottage.org.

The 29th Annual Snowflake Castle, 9 to 11 a.m. and 1 to 3 p.m. Dec. 2-3; 9 to 11 a.m., 1 to 3 p.m. and 5 to 8 p.m. Dec. 4-6; and 1 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 9 p.m. Dec. 7 at the Everal Barn and Homestead at Heritage Park, 60 N. Cleveland Ave. Participants will visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus and work with an elf to make a wooden toy to take home. Cost is $5 per child with parent. Reservations are required. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Call the Westerville Senior Center at 614-901-6560 to register.

Westerville Tree Lighting Ceremony, 7 to 8 p.m. Dec. 6 at the Westerville City Hall Municipal Building, 21 S. State St. The event includes live holiday music and a candle lighting ceremony sponsored by the Westerville Area Chamber of Commerce and the Westerville Parks & Recreation Department.

Westerville Uptown Merchants Association, Home for the Holidays, 3 to 8 p.m. Dec. 7. Uptown businesses stay open late for holiday shopping. Music and a visit from Santa Claus included. For more information go to shopuptownwesterville.com.

Westerville Symphony Sounds of the Season, 8 to 10 p.m. Dec. 14 in Riley Auditorium at Battelle Fine Arts Center, Otterbein University. Assistant Conductor Jim Bates will lead a smaller chamber orchestra through a program of holiday-themed classical works and other yuletide favorites including audience sing-alongs. For more information go to westervillesymphony.org/events.

The Church of the Master's 19th annual Cookie Sale is set for 9 to 11 a.m. Dec. 14 at Church of the Master United Methodist Church, 24 N. Grove St., Westerville. The sale features holiday favorites from decorated sugar cookies to chocolate kiss- topped peanut butter rounds. All cookies are $7 per pound. All proceeds benefit the United Methodist Women's mission projects. The cookie sale is in Fellowship Hall on the lower floor.

Koleinu Choir, Hanukkah party, 2:30 p.m. Dec. 8 at Wexner Heritage House, 1151 College Ave. Hanukkah cookies will be served. Families are encouraged to join the residents of WHH for dancing and singing. This free event is sponsored by Hadassah. For more information, call 614-235-8111.

Whitehall

WCCA Breakfast With Santa, 9 to 11 a.m. Dec. 14 at Whitehall Community Park. Breakfast will start at 9 a.m. Canned goods will benefit the Whitehall Food Pantries and donations will benefit the Whitehall Community Kids Christmas Program. A photographer will take pictures of children with Santa for $5. A Columbus Metropolitan Library staff member will read Christmas stories, and children can make crafts and vote on the best holiday lights in Whitehall.

Worthington

Breakfast with Santa - presented by the Thomas Worthington High School Lady Cards Softball Boosters, 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. Dec. 7. The event features a catered pancake/ sausage breakfast, professional photographer and Santa Claus.Advance ticket purchase is encouraged as tickets are limited. Tickets are $8 for adults and $15 children which includes at 5-by-7 color photo and a holiday craft. Tickets can be purchased at breakfastwithsanta2013.com.

Orange Johnson House holiday open houses - will be open for complimentary visits from 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 1, 8 and 15. Costumed docents will be on hand to talk about the house and answer questions. Following tradition, two musical performances will be given each Sunday at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. This year's performances will include Jesse Hsu and his string quartet at 1 p.m. Dec 1, the Bethel Folk Ensemble at 1 p.m. Dec 8, Chris Ramsey at 1 p.m. Dec 15 and the Orange Johnson Singers at 3 p.m. Dec 15. Refreshments will be served, and a children's scavenger hunt will be offered. The Orange Johnson House is at 956 N. High St, Worthington. Free parking is available in the adjoining lot.

High Road Gallery at 12 E. Stafford Ave in Worthington has announced its sixth annual gift shop called "Nifty Gifts for Under Fifty." This exhibit features more than 70 Ohio artists who create their own unique works and sell them for under $50. Items include ceramics, stained glass, fiber purses, jewelry, wool mittens, crocheted necklaces, fused glass, birdhouse ornaments, totes and more. The show dates are Dec. 1-7, with the gallery open during business hours each day. The gala opening is from noon to 6 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 1. Exhibit hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday. For more information, call 614-781-6454.

Illuminating Shopping Event, 6 to 9 p.m. Dec. 5 in Downtown Worthington. Visitors will be treated to wine and cheese, live music, carriage rides and special sales while they shop amid glowing luminaries.

The Worthington Kilbourne High School bands will hold their third annual Musical Breakfast with Santa from 9 to 11 a.m. Dec. 7. The event includes a continental breakfast, a concert, photos with Santa and crafts for children and will be in the Worthington Kilbourne High School Commons, 1499 Hard Road. Pre-sale tickets are $6 and available at kilbournebands. org or from any band member. Tickets at the door are $7. Children 2 and under will be admitted free.